Flight delays and cancellations remain some of the most frustrating experiences for travellers, often derailing carefully planned itineraries, causing missed connections, and adding unnecessary stress to trips.
While many Canadian airports operate efficiently, others struggle to maintain punctuality, especially the large, high-traffic hubs that are most vulnerable to congestion, staffing pressures, and unpredictable weather.
A new study conducted by Casino Kings has taken a deep dive into airport reliability across the country. By analysing delay index, average delay duration, and cancellation index, the research identifies which airports are most likely to keep travelers waiting.
Below is a breakdown of the top five worst airports in Canada for delays and cancellations, as revealed by the study.
Canada’s Worst Airports for Delays & Cancellations
| Rank | Airport Name | Delay Index | Avg. Delay Duration | Cancellation Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Calgary International Airport (YYC) |
33% |
40 mins |
0.93% |
|
2 |
Kelowna International Airport (YLW) |
24% |
29 mins |
0.88% |
|
3 |
Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) |
27% |
32 mins |
0.67% |
|
4 |
Edmonton International Airport (YEG) |
29% |
35 mins |
0.50% |
|
5 |
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) |
28% |
34 mins |
0.53% |
What Contributed to Their Rankings?
1. Calgary International Airport (YYC)
Serving 18.5 million passengers in 2023, Calgary International Airport is one of Canada’s busiest aviation hubs. Unfortunately, it also takes the top spot as the worst airport in the country for delays.
With
a 33% delay index,
an average delay of 40 minutes, the highest of all airports in the study, and
a 0.93% cancellation index,
YYC performs significantly worse than its peers.
Travelers frequently report long waits and schedule disruptions, often attributed to a combination of heavy traffic, peak-hour congestion, and Alberta’s notorious winter weather. Despite its importance as a central connection point, Calgary’s persistent punctuality issues make it a challenging airport for time-sensitive travelers.
2. Kelowna International Airport (YLW)
Kelowna may be smaller than Canada’s major hubs, but its performance is far from reassuring. Ranking second worst nationwide, YLW posts:
a 24% delay index,
a 29-minute average delay, and
a 0.88% cancellation index.
Its high cancellation index is particularly problematic. With fewer airlines and limited daily routes, passengers affected by cancellations often have minimal rebooking options. While Kelowna’s location is a gateway to the Okanagan’s tourism appeal, its operational reliability continues to hinder its reputation.
3. Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
Halifax Stanfield secures third place with:
a 27% delay index,
a 32-minute average delay, and
a 0.67% cancellation index.
As the main aviation hub for Canada’s Atlantic provinces, Halifax faces unique geographical challenges. The airport is frequently exposed to Atlantic weather systems, including fog, snow, and strong winds – all of which contribute to delays that are often beyond its control.
Additionally, reliance on fewer airlines and limited routing options can lead to bottlenecks during peak seasons. While Halifax performs slightly better than Calgary and Kelowna, the combination of factors still makes it a consistent source of traveler frustration. Still, when flight safety is at stake, delays are always preferable to risk.
4. Edmonton International Airport (YEG): Consistency Issues
Edmonton ranks fourth with:
a 29% delay index,
a 35-minute average delay, and
a 0.50% cancellation index.
Serving a mix of domestic, international, and cargo flights, YEG is a major aviation center in Western Canada. Seasonal weather patterns, especially winter storms, compound operational challenges, particularly during holidays and peak travel periods.
Although Edmonton continues to invest in modernisation and infrastructure, rising passenger volumes and inconsistent performance keep it firmly on the list of airports struggling with reliability.
5. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Toronto Pearson is the largest and busiest airport in Canada – one of the biggest in North America – and with that scale comes complexity. YYZ rounds out the top five with:
a 28% delay index,
a 34-minute average delay, and
a 0.53% cancellation index.
Even with state-of-the-art infrastructure, Toronto Pearson is heavily impacted by:
air-traffic congestion,
weather disruptions,
long security processing times, and
the sheer volume of passengers passing through its terminals.
While travelers appreciate its extensive route network and services, the airport’s chronic delays remain a significant downside.
Final Thoughts
Travellers navigating Canada’s major airports can expect varying levels of reliability. While some delays are unavoidable -especially in a country known for severe weather – others reflect structural challenges, operational constraints, and rising passenger demand.
Methodology
The rankings presented in this study are based on a detailed analysis conducted by Casino Kings, using publicly available flight performance data and industry-standard metrics. The methodology combines quantitative measures with operational insights to evaluate airport reliability across Canada.
Metrics used:
Delay Index (%) – Represents the proportion of flights departing later than scheduled. A higher percentage indicates a greater likelihood of delays.
Average Delay Duration (minutes) – Measures the average length of flight delays, allowing comparison of the severity of delays between airports.
Cancellation Index (%) – Represents the proportion of flights canceled at each airport. A higher rate signals greater disruption potential for travelers.
Data Sources:
Flight tracking databases and official airport reports (2023–2025).
National and regional airport performance studies, including on-time performance rankings.
Media and research reports covering passenger complaints and operational challenges.
